If you're the type of person who likes to keep an orderly office or business, then you know how much time it takes to clean up after all your employees. Hiring a commercial cleaning service is often the best solution when there's too much work for one person to handle. But before you do so, make sure to ask these questions.

1. How Long Have You Worked in the Commercial Cleaning Industry?

Your prospective cleaner should have at least a couple of years of experience in the industry. If they don't, you risk hiring a company that will not properly handle your specific needs. On top of that, it's hard to determine how thorough and professional a new commercial cleaning service is if they are just starting out.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Ask to see proof of insurance. It's also crucial that the company you hire has a current license from the state they operate. If your potential cleaner is working without insurance or proper licensing, you could be liable for any damages or injuries that occur during the cleaning process. While this is rare, it's better to be safe than sorry when selecting a commercial cleaning service for your business or office.

3. What Kinds of Specialized Equipment Do You Have?

The more specialized equipment on hand, the easier certain jobs will get done. For instance, if your prospective company doesn't have any tall ladders in their arsenal, it might be best to go with someone else as high-reaching ceilings aren't the most accessible.

4. How Will You Deal with Hazardous Waste?

If your office generates hazardous waste regularly, you have to make sure that your cleaner is licensed and insured in dealing with this type of material. You don't want to run the risk of contaminating yourself or the surrounding area with chemicals and other dangerous substances. To make sure that doesn't happen, ask about the company's safety standards for handling hazardous waste materials.

5. What Are Your Rates?

Rates vary from one commercial cleaning service to another depending upon where they're located and their size. However, don't just compare price; focus on additional costs like mileage for businesses outside a certain radius. If your prospective cleaner has special rates for certain areas, make sure to ask about them before you hire a commercial cleaning service.

6. How Are You Going to Communicate with My Employees?

Make sure the company you hire will be communicating with your staff in a professional manner. While your employees might not mind occasionally receiving a text message, receiving too many off-the-wall messages from a commercial cleaning service can make them feel uncomfortable and disrespected.

7. What Kind of Cleaning Products Do You Use?

Is there a scent, or are they unscented? Do they contain chemicals, and if so, what sort? Should I be concerned about allergies or other health issues present in my building or office? Ask them for more details on their products before choosing them as your service provider.

8. How Will You Handle Specialized Cleaning?

Specialized cleaning processes may include implementing additional products and tools for specific tasks. For instance, power washing is used to clean decks, patios, and other outdoor areas before the winter arrives. Ask your cleaner if they have any special cleaning techniques that they utilize beforehand so you can better prepare for their arrival.

9. What Do You Clean?

Your prospective cleaner should be able to give you an idea of the many different kinds of services they can offer. Most commercial cleaning services will be willing to clean just about offices, medical facilities, business parks, retail spaces, and more. Find out what kind of areas they're best suited for before making a final choice.

You should never hire a commercial cleaning service without doing extensive research beforehand. There are too many things on the line regarding health, safety, and professionalism to just hand over your keys and hope for the best. For more information about our commercial and office cleaning services, please don't hesitate to contact us.